Can you get in trouble or let go for working the minimum amount of hours?

Nursing Students Technicians

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I'm a PCT. At my facility, the minimum requirement to maintain your per-diem status is 2 shifts per month. I don't really enjoy my unit or work so i work the bare minimum so i can keep my foot in the door at my facility. My coworkers always ask me "where have you been"?and I usually give an excuse like i'm busy with school, was on vacation, sick, car broke down, and any other excuse I can come up with. I started out full-time hours during training but gradually cut my hours. Since I don't work much anymore i feel their's no reason for them to keep me, all though my contract states i'm only required to work 2 shifts a month. I don't plan working on this unit as a nurse. Also if they ever try letting me go, is there any legal actions i can take to keep my job? I graduate from nursing school in may, so i just need to hold on to this job for a few more months. My coworkers esp the nurses don't seem happy that i dont work more b/c they need techs to work otherwise the nurses job is 10x more difficult

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Your employment cannot be terminated for working the bare minimum number of hours required per month. However, your employment can be 'autoterminated' for failing to work the minimum number of hours that are required of PRN/per diem/casual employees at your workplace.

Specializes in ICU.

You probably can't be fired for that, but if you live in an at will state, you can be fired for anything. They don't have to keep you.

If you work the bare min and really just act like you don't want to be there, don't expect a recommendation to any other unit. You are trying to make an impression right now, and it seems as if you really don't care about making a good one.

D you think everybody starts off on their "dream" unit? No. Sometimes you gotta suck it up and bide your time until the better opportunity falls in your lap.

Specializes in Peds, Oncology.

Do you think everybody starts off on their "dream" unit? No. Sometimes you gotta suck it up and bide your time until the better opportunity falls in your lap.

Exactly. I started out as a per diem tech in the float pool. I hated floating and hated 80% of the floors I had to float to. My first year, which was my junior year of my BSN program, I worked the bare minimum. Then before my senior year I read something on here that made me get it together. Someone told me, when you're floating as a tech, wanting a position as a RN, every time you float it's a potential job interview. They remember when you go above and beyond and how great you are and when you have a positive and enthusiastic attitude and you're constantly willing to pitch in or offering help. I started to apply for positions in April, and by the time I graduated in May, I had several formal offers from managers who had wanted me based on experiences they had from me working their floors.

Also remember that future managers have access to your performance reviews, so be at your best at work so your reviews are superb. If you are available more than the bare minimum it shows your willingness to be a part of the team and to help when needed.

If you hate it so much, quit. These boards are filled with hundreds of post about people looking for a job.

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